Projectile for use with a rifled barrel

ABSTRACT

A multi-component projectile is disclosed. The multi-component projectile is designed for use with a rifled barrel and is configured to, upon exiting the rifled barrel, utilize the spinning forces imparted on the projectile while in the barrel to expand until the multi-component projectile achieves a predetermined pattern that is larger than an area of the barrel from which the projectile was fired. Methods of manufacturing the multi-component projectile are also disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally directed toward projectiles for usewith rifled barrels and methods of manufacturing the same.

BACKGROUND

It is well understood by those skilled in the art of weaponry thatfirearms typically fall into two separate families, those being: smoothbore and rifled bore. A smooth bore was the original design of all earlyfirearms (cannons and hand held guns) smooth bore barrels fire mono- ormulti-projectile shot without inducing a spin. The most recognizednon-spinning mono projectiles would be fired from a colonial smooth boremusket, (i.e., the sphere configuration dominated in popularity and thenthe min-ball (a more aerodynamically shaped version)). Due to the adventof the second member of the firearm family, the rifled barrel, asuperior method of firing a mono-projectile with a predictable flightpath was achieved and the practice of firing slugs form a smooth boor isall but forgotten.

In contrast, most modern marksmen frequently use smooth bore barrels tofire non-spinning multi-projectile shot as buckshot or birdshot, whichare most often referred to as “scatter shot” due to the reliance onrandom events/influences to cause a spreading out of the plurality ofprojectiles. This shot type was originally referred to as “scatter-shot”because it relies on random influences (e.g., wind, barometric pressure,temperature, velocity, collisions, turbulence, etc.) to achieve a randombut semi-predictable rate/pattern of ever expanding separation. As theplurality of projectiles travel down the barrel of the gun and furthertravel down range toward the target, the spreading out of theprojectiles occurs randomly and simultaneously on all three axes X,Y,Z(vertical, horizontal and depth). Because of the three axes randomseparation, this type of shot is most effective only at semi-close rangeengagements of 10 to 40 yards. Unfortunately, under ten yard the spreadpattern is nominal and offers little advantage if any over amono-projectile, and beyond 40 yards large gaps between projectilesegments develop unpredictably thereby reducing probability as theycontinue to spread indefinitely.

As marksmen became increasingly frustrated with the limitations of thepredictability of flight paths (accuracy) of mono-projectiles fired fromsmooth bored firearms, rifled bore firearms were created. Barrel riflingis a relatively simple modification to a standard gun barrel but theeffects of the rifling resulted in a quantum leap forward in improvingthe predictably of the flight path of a mono-projectile fired from it;the accuracy benefit is due primarily to the gyroscopic stabilizationgained as a result of spin imparted to the projectile as it contacts thegrooves and lands of the rifling pattern while the bullet travels thelength of the barrel. To clarify, the improved predictability (accuracy)is achieved by imparting a spin to the projectile as it rubs against theriffling in the barrel prior to it leaving the tip of the gun. This spingyroscopically stabilizes the projectile as it travels down range.

The rifled bore group of firearms is commonly divided into foursub-categories: 1) Small caliber weapons using ammunition ranging insize from 0.22 inch which are commonly fired from small handguns; 2)Small arms weapons which use straight sided centre fire ammunition, theammunition being fired from handguns and semi-automatic guns, the commonbores being 0.38 inch, 0.357 inch, 0.45 cal, 0.44 inch, 9 mm and 10 mmwhich offer accuracy over a range up to 50 meters; 3) Combat rifleswhich fire ammunition sending projectiles at very high velocities overranges of 500 meters plus, the common bores being 0.223 inch (5.56 mm),5.7 mm, 0.303 inch, 7.62 mm and 0.50 inch; and 4) Heavy weapons forfiring ammunition up to 2 kilometers commonly having bores of 20 mm, 30mm and larger, and which are used in extreme range combat to deliverlarge payloads.

While the spin-rates, muzzle velocities, bore diameters, and otherparameters of the above-mentioned four sub-categories of rifled firearmsvary from firearm to firearm, there is one common theme among the designof these firearms—all rifled firearms are designed to deploy a singlespinning projectile that is designed to remain whole, and not materiallyexpand or distort from it aerodynamic shape (regardless of the amount ofcentrifugal force exerted on it) until it collides with a target.

Since smooth bore and rifled firearms both have design advantages anddisadvantages, one type of firearm may be preferable for a certainsituation (e.g., shotguns may be desirable in mid-range engagements, 20to 100 feet (combat or hunting of pray) whereas another type of firearmmay be preferable for other situations (e.g., rifled firearms such aspistols may be desirable for ultra-close range engagements of 0 to 20feet or long barreled rifles may be desirable for long range engagementsof 100 yards and beyond). However, since it is often impracticable orimpossible to carry/use multiple types of firearms at the same time,most people are automatically limited by the type of firearm which theyare carrying, and in turn they are further limited by the type of shotthey can fire.

SUMMARY

It is, therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure to providemulti-projectile ammunition designed to be fired from a rifled firearm(or any other type of firearm which imparts a gyroscopically-stabilizingspin on projectiles fired therefrom) which is not only designed toemulate the increased hit probability of smooth bore-basedmulti-projectiles, but also improve the performance of the projectile itat ultra-close and long-range engagements. Moreover, since theammunition described herein benefits form the spin generated forcesproduced by a rifled firearm, many of the disadvantages associated withthe use of a multi-projectile scatter-shot (e.g., random separation onthree axis's, random grouping of segments (clusters), infiniteseparation potential, undesired gaps between segments at longer ranges,slow rate of radial expansion, random flight path of any givenprojectile segment and limited effective range) can be overcome.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure,ammunition (also referred to as a round, cartridge, or cartridgeassembly) for a rifled firearm is provided which includes a projectileassembly having at least a first and second projectile portion whichinterlock to assure a simultaneous departure from the gun barrel. Insome embodiments, the projectile assembly further includes aninterconnecting member which interconnects the plurality of projectileportions of the projectile assembly. As the projectile assembly is firedand travels down bore of the rifled firearm, the projectile assemblybegins to spin. Also, due to the confinement within the barrel, theportions of the projectile assembly maintain their interlockedrelationship regardless of spin generated forces. However, once theprojectile assembly exits the barrel of the firearm, the spinning forcesimparted on the projectile assembly by the rifling causes the previouslyinterlocked portions of the projectile to simultaneously move rapidlyoutward (radial movement) away from their original center of rotation(which is coincident with an original trajectory of the projectileassembly as well as the center axis of the barrel).

In some embodiments, the portions of the assembly may be uniformlyconstructed. Due to the synchronized movement assured by the uniformityof the portions and the simultaneous departure from the barrel, theportions create a uniform spacing form one another while the projectileassembly spreads out as it continues to travel along its originaltrajectory path away from the barrel. As the projectile assembly travelsdown range away from the barrel of the firearm, and the spin generatedforces move the pre-fragmented pieces away from their center ofrotation, a multi-staged tether/brake system, originally housed within aprotective cavity formed by the assembly of interlocking segments beginsto emerge, at first intentionally offering little resistance to slowdown the rapid outward rate of expansion. This intentional delay in theapplication of a radial movement breaking force is to allow for the mostrapid possible separation of the individual segments form the originalcenter of rotation to increase the area of influence (hit probability)in ultra-close engagements.

After the initial delay, the tether/brake system enters a second phase,and begins to arrest the outward movement of the portions by applyingsmall incremental amounts resistance that collectivity counter the vastmajority if not all of the pulling force exerted on the tether/brakesystem. If additional radial movement persists beyond deployment of thesecond phase, an additional phase of the braking system activates. Insome embodiments, this additional phase of braking utilizes adeformation brake which arrests the balance of the pulling force andalong with the ever present centrifugal force inherent in the spinningassembly segments, the portions lock into orbit around their originalcenter of rotation and the projectile assembly is gyroscopically stable.The now separated portions locked into a spin-stabilized orbit at afixed distance from center and each other respectively and continue downrange in a predetermined spread pattern until some or all of theprojectile assembly strikes an object or falls to the ground.

When this projectile assembly is fired from a rifled barrel, theportions automatically deploy into a pre-defined maximum diameter andpattern of spread in a predictable precise manner. The assembly's designharnesses spin-generated forces to first allow for a rapid outwardradial spread (four times faster rate of expansion than traditionalbuckshot), and then uses a multi-staged braking and tether restraintsystem to arrest and suspend the portions into orbit at a fixed distancearound their original center of rotation.

In some embodiments, the projectile assembly may include more than afirst and second projectile portion. For example, the projectileassembly may include a first, second, and third projectile portion. Inanother example, the projectile assembly may include a first, second,third, and fourth projectile portion. In another example, the projectileassembly may include a first, second, third, fourth and fifth projectileportion. The configuration of the tether may vary depending on thenumber of projectile portions in the projectile assembly.

In some embodiments, the tether/brake system may comprise a number ofarms which are interconnected at a central point. Each projectileportion of the projectile assembly may have an arm of the tether/brakesystem connected thereto. In some embodiments, each projectile portioncomprises a via through which an arm of a tether passes through. Theconfiguration of the via may be such that the tether arm is retained inthe via even when pulling forces are applied to the tether arm.Accordingly, the weight and expanding forces of a single projectileportion are used to slow down the rate at which the other projectileportions are expanding away from the original center of trajectory ofthe projectile assembly. By providing symmetric projectile portions,meaning that each projectile portion of the projectile assembly has thevirtually the same weight and physical properties, each projectileportion and its respective interconnected tether will function as acounter force allow the simultaneous pulling force of the additionalapposing tether/segment in the assembly to deploy at the same rate andmanner of deceleration allowing for a uniform and stable orbit to beobtained.

In some embodiments, the tether/brake system is configured such that aplurality of braking forces are sequentially applied to each projectileportion as the projectile portions expand away from their center ofrotation substantially within a single plane of expansion and wherein atrajectory of the multi-projectile assembly is substantially orthogonalto the plane of expansion.

In some embodiments, the tether is configured to first allow theprojectile portions to expand away from their center of rotation with anincreasing rate of velocity for a first predetermined amount of time (orup to a predetermined distance). Thereafter, the tether/brake system isconfigured to start applying a first set of braking forces equally toall projectile portions. The first set of braking forces begin todecrease the rate of velocity with which the projectile portions expandaway from their original center of rotation. The first set of brakingforces are applied to the projectile portions for a second amount oftime. Thereafter, the tether/brake system is configured to startapplying a second braking force equally to all projectile portions. Thesecond braking force is applied to the projectile portions after thefirst amount of time and after the second amount of time. The secondbraking force along with the outstretched tether ultimately causes theprojectile portions to stop expanding away from one another and theircenter of rotation. The sequential application of the first set ofbraking forces and then the second braking force allows the decelerationof the projectile portions to be controlled, thereby maintaining astable trajectory of the projectile assembly as it travels away from thebarrel of the firearm as well as a stable orbit of the projectileportions. More specifically, the tether/brake system enables theprojectile assembly to benefit from the gyroscopic stabilization at allphases of braking, thereby maintaining the accuracy of the shot.

In some embodiments, a cartridge is provided that includes a projectileassembly as described above as well as a primer and gunpowder. Acartridge, also called a round, packages the projectile assembly,gunpowder and primer into a single case precisely made to fit the firingchamber of a rifled firearm. The primer is a small charge ofimpact-sensitive chemical that may be located at the center of the casehead (centerfire ammunition) or at its rim (rimfire ammunition) whetherit's a cartridge case sealing a firing chamber in all directions exceptdown the bore and the use of expanding gases from the burning powderexpanding the case to seal against the chamber wall, resulting in theprojectile assembly being pushed in the direction least resistance (downthe barrel). Electrically-fired cartridges may also be provided. Inaddition, to the above mentioned configurations, embodiments of theprojectile assembly described herein can also be used in cartridge-lesssystem such as a stacked barrel formats or alternative propulsionformats (e.g., rail guns, compressed air guns, spring-based guns,electromagnetic-based guns, paintball guns, and the like).

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a suppressorthat is configured to allow the projectile described herein to passtherethrough while maintaining a guided radial restraint of theprojectile portions in their interlocked relationship. Traditionalsuppressors are designed to have a bore area larger than the bore areaof the barrel to which they are connected. The idea behind suppressorsis that the additional area provided by the suppressor enables the gaseswhich are propelling the projectile to expand within the suppressorrather than outside of the barrel, thereby minimizing the amount ofnoise associated with the projectile leaving the firearm. Unfortunately,currently available suppressors are incompatible with the projectileassembly of the present disclosure because the projectile portions areallowed to begin expanding apart within the suppressor. Accordingly, thesuppressor described herein has raised a railing system (like atraditional rifling track) that has separated support legs that allowexpanding gasses to permeate. To promote equalization of pressure ineach of the chambers of the unit, the suspended rail guides theprojectile assembly through the suppressor and maintains an adequateamount of radial restraint force on the projectile portions, therebyrestricting their relative expansion as they pass through it. The railsystem further allows for the desired expansion of gasses to reduce thenoise signature of the shot. Further, the rail system need only matchthe twist rate of the rifling of the gun it is to be paired with. Thismatching assures the backward compatibility with traditionalmono-projectiles (slugs) as well as full compatibility withmulti-portion projectile assemblies of the proposed disclosure. Thisallows for the sequential firing of multi-portion projectile assemblyrounds and traditional rounds in the same salvo.

In some embodiments, a projectile assembly for use with a rifled barrelis provided, the projectile assembly generally comprising:

at least a first projectile portion;

at least a second projectile portion; and

a tether connecting the first and second projectile portions such that aspinning force imparted on the at least a first and second projectileportions causes the at least a first and second projectile portions toradially expand away from one another up to an expansion limit definedby the tether.

In one further aspect, the at least a first and second projectileportions comprise one or more corresponding locking features which limitrelative movement of the at least a first and second projectiles in atleast two directions of motion and the locking feature may include astair-step feature.

In one further aspect, the projectile assembly includes at least a thirdprojectile portion, wherein the tether further connects the at least athird projectile portion to the at least a first and second projectileportions. The projectile assembly may further include at least a fourthprojectile portion, wherein the tether further connects the at least afourth projection portion to the at least a first, second, and thirdprojectile portions.

In some embodiments, the at least a first and second projectionsportions, when interconnected, are responsive to barrel rifling.

In some embodiments, the tether comprises at least a first and secondarm, wherein the at least a first arm connects to the at least a firstprojectile, and wherein the at least a second arm connects to the atleast a second projectile.

In some embodiments, the at least a first projectile portion comprises avia through which the tether passes. This via may correspond to a chokepoint, wherein the tether comprises a stopper, and wherein the stopperis larger than the choke point. It may also be the case that the chokepoint is separated from a center of mass of the at least a firstprojectile portion such that when a force is imparted on the at least afirst projectile portion by the tether, the at least a first projectileportion rotates independently.

In some embodiments, the tether may have a chain-stitch configurationwhere successive loops are pulled through one another and the pointswhere the tether intersects itself may be temporarily bonded with abreakable adhesive.

In some embodiments, the tether may include a loop configuration and thepoints where the tether intersects itself may be temporarily bonded witha breakable adhesive.

In some embodiments, the projectile assembly may include a cavity intowhich the tether is inserted while the at least a first and secondprojectile portions are interconnected to one another. This tether maybe spooled in the cavity or folded in the cavity about one or moresleeves. The spooling and/or folding of the tether helps to inhibit thetether getting knotted or stuck as the projectile portions expand awayfrom their original center of rotation.

In some embodiments, the tether is part of a radial braking and tetherrestraint system which includes a plurality of braking applicatorsconfigured to sequentially apply a first set of braking forces to the atleast a first and second projectile portions after the at least a firstand second projectile portions have expanded a first predetermineddistance away from one another.

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide amulti-component projectile for use with a rifled barrel, themulti-component projectile comprising:

a first projectile portion;

a second projectile portion; and

a tether configured to apply a plurality of braking forces to the firstand second projectile portions as the first and second projectileportions expand away from one another as well as their original centerof rotation (corresponding to a trajectory path of the multi-componentprojectile).

In some embodiments, the first projectile portion and second projectileportion are symmetrically constructed.

In some embodiments, the first and second projectile portions areconfigured to interconnect with one another within a barrel and expandaway from one another and a shared center of rotation upon exiting thebarrel due to centrifugal forces exerted on the first and secondprojectile portions under influence of their spinning about a trajectorypath that coincides with the shared center of rotation.

In some embodiments, the tether is configured to limit a distance towhich the first and second projectile portions are allowed to expandaway from their center of rotation. The tether may be part of atether/braking system which includes a first tether arm for interfacingwith the first projectile portion and a second tether arm forinterfacing with the second projectile portion. In some embodiments, thefirst and second tether arms comprise a first and second section,wherein the second sections of the first and second arms comprise aplurality of braking applicators which apply a first set of theplurality of braking forces. The tether/braking system may furtherinclude a deformation brake which connects the first and second tetherarms, wherein the deformation brake is configured to apply a secondbraking force. In some embodiments, the application of the secondbraking force causes the first and second projectile portions to achievea stable orbit about a trajectory path of the multi-componentprojectile.

In some embodiments, the first projectile portion comprises a topportion and a bottom portion, the second projectile portion comprises atop portion and a bottom portion, the top portion and bottom portion ofthe first projectile portion are offset a predetermined amount to createa first offset surface, the top portion and bottom portion of the secondprojection portion are offset the predetermined amount to create asecond offset surface, and the first and second offset surfacesinterface to create a locking feature.

In some embodiments, the multi-component projectile further includes acap which secures the tether/braking system within a cavity of themulti-component projectile when the first and second projectile portionsare interconnected with one another.

In some embodiments, the first projectile portion includes a first viathrough which the tether applies the plurality of braking forces and thesecond projectile portion includes a second via through which the tetherapplies the plurality of braking forces.

In some embodiments, the plurality of braking forces are applied to thefirst projectile portion, at least in part, by the weight of the secondprojectile portion and the plurality of braking forces are applied tothe second projectile portion, at least in part, by the weight of thefirst projectile portion.

In some embodiments, a multi-staged radial braking and tether restraintsystem is provided that generally comprises:

at least a first stage adapted to apply at least a first braking forceto a plurality of projectile portions when the plurality of projectileportions expand away from their original center of rotation; and

at least a second stage adapted to apply at least a second braking forceto the plurality of projectile portions when the plurality of projectileportions expand away from their center of rotation.

In some embodiments, the at least a first stage comprises a tether whichapplies the first braking force when the tether is under tension, the atleast a second stage comprises a plurality of braking applicatorsestablished on the tether as well as a deformation brake.

In some embodiments the tether is looped and laid back onto itself andthe braking applicators comprise a breakable bond created at points ofcontact where the tether touches itself.

In some embodiments, the tether is configured in such a way thatconsecutive loops are pulled through one after another (chain-stitched)and the braking applicators comprise a breakable bond created alongpoints of contact where the tether touches itself.

In some embodiments, the tether is spooled and the braking applicatorscomprise a continuous or semi-continuous breakable bond created alongpoints of contact where the tether touches itself.

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a die-castmold configured to create the projectile portion or multiples of theprojectile portion described herein.

In some embodiments, an ammunition cartridge is provided which generallycomprises:

a casing; and

a projectile assembly, the projectile assembly including a first andsecond projectile portion and a tether/braking system connecting thefirst and second projectile portions, wherein the projectile assembly isconfigured to be fired from the casing and be responsive to barrelrifling.

In some embodiments, the projectile assembly is responsive to barrelrifling by spinning at it travels down a barrel of a gun.

In some embodiments, a tether of the tether/braking system is furtherconfigured to equally apply one or more braking forces to the first andsecond projectiles thereby limiting an amount to which the first andsecond projectile portions are allowed to expand away from one another.

In some embodiments, a tether adapted for use with a projectile assemblyis provided, the tether generally comprising:

a plurality of braking applicators adapted to sequentially apply aplurality of braking forces to a projectile portion as the tether comesunder tension.

In some embodiments, the tether is part of a tether/braking system thatfurther includes a deformation brake. In some embodiments, at least someof the plurality of braking applicators comprise an adhesive securingoverlapping portions of the tether.

In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a multi-componentprojectile is provided, the method generally comprising:

providing a plurality of projectile portions;

providing a tether/braking system having a tether arm for each of theplurality of projectile portions;

establishing a connection between each tether arm and a correspondingprojectile portion;

interlocking the plurality of projectile portions such that a cavity iscreated between the plurality of interlocked projectile portions; and

packing the tether/braking system into the cavity.

In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing further compriseschain-stitching at least a section of each tether arm.

In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing further comprises diecasting the plurality of projectile portions.

In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing further comprisesinserting the interlocked plurality of projectile portions into acasing.

The Summary is neither intended or should it be construed as beingrepresentative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure.The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail and theSummary as well as in the attached drawings and in the detaileddescription and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosureis intended by either the inclusion or non inclusion of elements,components, etc. in the Summary. Additional aspects of the presentdisclosure will become more readily apparent from the detaileddescription, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appendedfigures:

FIG. 1 is a side-schematic view of a rifled firearm and a cartridgewithin its barrel before the cartridge is fired in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side-schematic view of a projectile assembly immediatelyafter it has exited the barrel of a rifled firearm in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a side view of a projectile assembly as it begins to expandto a first spread pattern in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3B is a front view of the projectile assembly depicted in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a side view of a projectile assembly after it has expanded toa second spread pattern in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4B is a front view of the projectile assembly depicted in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a side view of a projectile assembly after it has fullyexpanded in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a front view of the projectile assembly depicted in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a top view of a projectile assembly spread pattern as afunction of distance traveled along its trajectory away from a barrel inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a top view of a buckshot spread pattern as a function ofdistance traveled away from a smooth-bored barrel;

FIG. 6C is a top view of a single projectile spread pattern as afunction of distance traveled away from a barrel;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a cartridge having a three-portionprojectile assembly in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a cartridge having a two-portionprojectile assembly in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8A is another perspective view of a cartridge having a two-portionprojectile assembly in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8B is another perspective view of a cartridge having athree-portion projectile assembly in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of a cartridge having a four-portionprojectile assembly in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8D is a perspective view of a cartridge having a five-portionprojectile assembly in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a two-portion projectile assemblyspread apart in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a three-portion projectile assemblyspread apart and partially interlocked in accordance with embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a four-portion projectile assemblyspread apart and partially interlocked in accordance with embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shot profile of a three-portionprojectile assembly as a function of distance traveled from a barrel;

FIG. 11A is a top view of a three-portion projectile assembly inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a side view of the projectile assembly depicted in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a bottom view of the projectile assembly depicted in FIG.11A;

FIG. 11D is a top, side, and bottom view of a two-portion projectileassembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11E is a top, side, and bottom view of a four-portion projectileassembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11F is a top, side, and bottom view of a five-portion projectileassembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a projectile portion in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a top view of the projectile portion of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13B is a first side view of the projectile portion of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13C is a second side view of the projectile portion of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13D is a bottom view of the projectile portion of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13E is a third side view of the projectile portion of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13F is a fourth side view of the projectile portion of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14A is a first cross-sectional view of a projectile portion inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14B is a second cross-sectional view of a projectile portion inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a projectile assembly without a notchin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a projectile assembly having acircumferential notch in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15C is a perspective view of a projectile assembly having arestraint in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a projectile portion which also showsan enhanced view of a via receiving a tether in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16B is a side cross-sectional view of the projectile portion andtether depicted in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16C is a bottom view of the projectile portion and tether depictedin FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16D is a top view of the projectile portion and tether depicted inFIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a projectile assembly which also showsan enhanced view of its upper cavity in which a tether is packed inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the projectile assembly depictedin FIG. 17A;

FIG. 17C is a perspective view of a projectile assembly which also showsan enhanced view of its upper cavity in which a chain-stitched tether ispacked in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17D is a cross-sectional view of the projectile assembly depictedin FIG. 17C;

FIG. 18A depicts a first type of tether/restraint system used in aprojectile assembly in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18B depicts a second type of tether/restraint system used in aprojectile assembly in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18C depicts a third type of tether/restraint system used in aprojectile assembly in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a first sequence of tether configuration when sequentialbraking forces are applied by the tether to a projectile portion inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 shows a second sequence of tether configuration when sequentialbraking forces are applied by the tether to a projectile portion inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of an unbroken deformation brake inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of a partially broken deformation brakein accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21C is a perspective view of a fully broken deformation brake inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a projectile portion having acavity in its lower portion for storage and delivery of an alternativepayload in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view depicting one possible configurationof packing a tether/restraint system within a cavity of a projectileassembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view depicting another possibleconfiguration of packing a tether/restraint system within a cavity of aprojectile assembly in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 24 is a graph depicting the velocity of radial expansion of theprojectile assembly as a function of time after leaving a rifle barrelin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 25 is a flow chart depicting a cartridge manufacturing andpackaging process in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ensuing description provides embodiments only, and is not intendedto limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims.Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled in the artwith an enabling description for implementing the described embodiments.It being understood that various changes may be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure will discussutilizing propulsion from a gunpowder filled cartridge and projectileassembly, it is equally designed to function with firearms which employalternative propulsion mechanisms such as, for example, compressed air,electromagnetic propulsion, spring forces, barrel stacked cartridge-lesselectronic ignition, etc. Although certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure will discuss utilizing a hand-held rifled firearm, it shouldbe appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure are not solimited. More specifically, the cartridges, projectiles, projectileassemblies, and components thereof may be used in connection with anytype of rifled firearm including small caliber weapons, small armsweapons, combat rifles, heavy weapons, and any other type of firearmconfigured to impart spinning forces on a projectile.

In some embodiments, the cartridge 108 described herein may beconfigured for any type of firearm 100 including revolvers,semi-automatic firearms, fully-automatic firearms, handheld firearms,long-barrel rifles, alternatives to rifled firearms, and the like. Thesemi-automatic handheld firearm 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 isprovided as but one non-limiting example of a firearm 100 which may beused to fire the cartridge 108 discussed herein. As can be appreciated,however, certain characteristics of the cartridge 108 and its componentsmay be altered to accommodate different types of firearms 100. Forexample, the type of material used for the tether/restraint systemand/or projectile portions may vary depending upon the type of firearm100 used, the spin rate of the firearm 100 used, the muzzle velocity ofthe firearm 100 used, the desired impact of the projectile, and thelike.

FIG. 1 shows a rifled firearm 100 and a cartridge 108 within its barrel104 before the cartridge 108 is fired in accordance with embodiments ofthe present disclosure. In this particular state, the cartridge 108 isready for firing but has not yet been fired and a projectile assembly124 is positioned within the cartridge 108. In particular, a primer orsimilar triggering mechanism within the cartridge 108 may not yet havebeen contacted by a firing pin of the firearm 100. Since the primer hasnot yet been contacted by a firing pin of the firearm 100, gunpowderwithin the cartridge 108 has not yet been ignited and the projectileassembly 124 has not yet been separated from a casing 120 of thecartridge 108.

FIG. 2 depicts a projectile assembly 124 of the cartridge 108 after thecartridge 108 has been fired. Upon impacting the primer of the cartridge108, the gunpowder of the cartridge 108 is ignited and gases begin toexpand between a casing 120 of the cartridge 108 and the projectileassembly 124 of the cartridge 108. The rapid expansion of the gases dueto the ignition of the gunpowder and the resulting expanding gassesforce the projectile assembly 124 to travel down the barrel 104 of thefirearm 100 since it is the path of least resistance for the gases toescape the chamber of the firearm 100.

As the projectile assembly 124 travels down the barrel 104 of thefirearm 100, rifling features 112 within the barrel 104 spin theprojectile assembly 124. In some embodiments, the projectile assembly124 may achieve a rotational speed and muzzle velocity equal to anytraditional projectile fired from the firearm 100. As a couplenon-limiting examples, the projectile assembly 124 may achieve a peakrotational speed of between 20,000 and 300,000 RPMs, depending upon thetwist rate imparted by the rifling features 112 of the firearm 100 andthe muzzle velocity of the projectile assembly 124 as it leaves thebarrel exit 116. Specifically, twist rate of firearm 100 can beconverted to rotational speed of the projectile assembly 124 as itleaves the barrel exit 116 by using the following formula:

RPM=(MV)×(720/TR)

Where RPMs are rotations per minute, MV is muzzle velocity, and TR istwist rate. In traditional rifle projectiles, the rotational speed ofthe projectile does not reduce significantly as the projectile travelsits trajectory. Rather, the projectile traditionally goes trans-sonic,and then sub-sonic long before slowing rotation has any detrimentaleffect on the trajectory path of the projectile. The projectile assembly124 leaves the barrel exit 116 with substantially the same properties ofa traditional rifle mono-projectile. In some types of rifled firearms100, the projectile assembly 124 may leave the barrel 104 of the firearm100 spinning one revolution for every 10 inches traveled. Of course,different firearms 100 may be used to achieve different spin rates.

However, as can be seen in FIGS. 3A-B, immediately after the projectileassembly 124 leaves the confines of the barrel 104, the projectileassembly 124 begins to expand radially due to spin-generated forces 126imparted on the projectile assembly 124, while simultaneously travelingits original trajectory path away from the barrel 104. In someembodiments, the projectile assembly 124 is configured such that theinterlocking components in conjunction with the confinement of the wallsof the barrel 104 and its rifling 112 do not permit the applicableforces applied to the projectile assembly to alter the relativeconfiguration of the interlock components which make up the projectileassembly 124. However, after the projectile assembly 124 exits thebarrel 104 of the firearm 100, there is no longer sufficient confinementor radial restraint force applied, preventing the spin-generated forces126 from rapidly moving the pre-fragmented projectile segments ofassembly 124 out form the original center of rotation 136. In theabsence of such radial restraint forces, the spinning of the projectileassembly 124 imparts an outward force on projectile portions 128 a, 128b, 128 c of the projectile assembly 124. The outwardly-directed forcesapplied to each projectile portion 128 cause the projectile portions 128a, 128 b, 128 c to expand away from the center of rotation 136 and oneanother respectively, thereby increasing a spread pattern of theprojectile assembly 124.

In some embodiments, the spin-generated forces 126 provide severalfunctions and features. First, the spin-generated forces enable theprojectile assembly 124 and all its constituent parts to remaingyroscopically stabilized, which means the projectile assembly 124maintains its original trajectory path and is as accurate as aconventional mono-projectile that spins. Second, the spin-generatedforces cause an accelerated radial expansion of the projectile assembly124. More specifically, the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c areconfigured to expand away from their center of rotation 136 up to fourtimes faster than the rate at which conventional buckshot expands.Third, the spin-generated forces 126 enables the projectile assembly 124to achieve a spread pattern that is larger in area than the barrel 104of the gun 100 from which it was fired.

In some embodiments, the projectile assembly 124 includes a firstprojectile portion 128, a second projectile portion 128 b, and a thirdprojectile portion 128 c which are interconnected to one another via atether/braking system 132. While the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b,128 c are allowed to expand away from the center of rotation 136 and oneanother respectively as the projectile assembly 124 travels down range,due to the conservation of angular momentum, the original center ofrotation 136 of the projectile assembly 124 will travel along atrajectory path that is substantially identical to the path/trajectoryas if the projectile fired remained a solid slug. Accordingly, with onlya minor adjustment for increased drag, the projectile assembly 124 isnot only configured to achieve a substantially larger strike area, therange and accuracy of the firearm is substantially uninhibited in doingso.

Initially, the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c are allowed toaccelerate radially away from center with little to no tetherresistance. However, after the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 chave moved a first predetermined radial distance 140 a away from thecenter of rotation 136, the tether(s) of the tether/braking system 132begin to restrain the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, therebycausing the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c to begin a radialdeceleration.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4A-B and 5A-B, the projectile assembly 124continues to rotate and the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 ccontinue to expand at a decreasing rate of speed away from the center ofrotation 136. The projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c may move asecond predetermined radial distance 140 b away from the center ofrotation 136 until the projectile assembly 124 achieves full deploymentand the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c are no longer movingradially away from center or one another respectively. In this fulldeployment, the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c may bepositioned a third predetermined radial distance 140 c away from thecenter of rotation 136 of the projectile assembly 124. Additionaldetails of this process will be described in further detail herein.However, it is useful to note that while the projectile assembly 124 mayhave originally had a twist rate of one rotation for every 10 inchestraveled, after the projectile assembly 124 has achieved its stableorbit, the laws of conversation of angular momentum dictate that theprojectile assembly 124 may only have a twist rate of one rotation forevery 800 feet traveled. In particular, the projectile assembly 124originally had a very small moment arm when it left the barrel 104 ofthe firearm 100, but after full deployment the moment arm of theprojectile assembly 124 due to the expansion of the projectile portions128 a, 128 b, 128 c significantly decrease the rate at which theexpanded projectile assembly rotates.

Another interesting characteristic of the projectile assembly 124 can beseen in FIGS. 3A-b, 4A-B, and 5A-B. In particular, the projectileportions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c may shift their leading edge as theprojectile assembly 124 travels down range. As can be seen in FIGS.3A-B, the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c may have a firstleading edge within the barrel 104 but as the projectile assembly 124travels down range and the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 cexpand away from center, the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c mayrotate about their own center of rotation and have a second leading edgethat is different from their first leading edge. In some embodiments,the segments are deliberately shaped to use the friction as it travelsthru the atmosphere in conjunction with an imbalanced weightdistribution to cause the second leading edge to present a forwardorientation and correspondingly results in a new leading edge with anoptimal aerodynamic profile as it travels down range.

In some embodiments, the individual rotation of each projectile portion128 a, 128 b, 128 c may be controlled by strategically positioning thelocation where the tether/braking system 132 interfaces with theprojectile portion 128 a, 128 b, 128 c. In some embodiments, the centerof mass of the projectile portion 128 a, 128 b, 128 c may be locatedbelow (i.e., toward the back) of the location where the tether/brakingsystem 132 interfaces with the projectile portion 128 a, 128 b, 128 c.By separating the tether/braking system 132 interface from the center ofmass of the projectile portion 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, the projectileportions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c are individually rotated as thespin-generated forces push the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 cradially outward and as the tether/braking system 132 begins to restrainthe radial expansion of the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c.

Although the projectile assembly 124 is depicted as having a first,second, and third projectile portion 128 a, 128 b, and 128 c,respectively, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a projectileassembly 124 may have as few as two and as many as five projectileportions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Asone example, the projectile assembly 124 may comprise only a first andsecond projectile portion. As another example, the projectile assembly124 may comprise a first, second, third, and fourth projectile portion.As another example, the projectile assembly 124 may comprise a first,second, third, fourth and fifth projectile portion.

The types of materials used to construct the projectile portions 128 a,128 b, 128 c can vary depending upon the type of use envisioned for theprojectile assembly 124. For instance, different materials may be usedin hunting-type projectile assemblies 124 as compared toself-defense-type projectile assemblies 124. Other types of uses whichmay control the materials used to construct the projectile portions 128a, 128 b, 128 c include, without limitation, stunning use cases,knock-down use cases, riot-control use cases, home-defense use cases,and so on. The types of materials that may be used to construct theprojectile assembly 124 include, without limitation semi-mailaubalplastics, metals, organic or inorganic rubbers, lead, jacketed lead,zinc, zinc alloys, oxygen free copper and alloys like copper nickel,tellurium copper and brass like highly machinable UNS C36000Free-Cutting Brass, tungsten, tungsten carbide, steel, Bismuth, rubber,wax, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and other polymers, polycarbonate plastic,other plastics and any combinations thereof.

Similarly, the types of materials used to construct the tether/brakingsystem 132 can vary depending upon the type of use envisioned for theprojectile assembly 124. In certain hunting use cases, it may bedesirable to utilize a tether material 132 that breaks rather easilyupon impact, thereby increasing the penetration depth of each projectileportion 128 a, 128 b, 128 c. In certain home-defense use cases, it maybe desirable to utilize a tether material 132 that does not break soeasily upon impact, thereby minimizing penetration depth and limitingthe projectile assembly's ability to travel through sheet rock and otherwall materials. Suitable materials which may be used to construct theprojectile assembly 124 include, but are not limited to, a para-aramidsynthetic fiber (e.g., generally an aramid fibercotton), woven cotton,silk, fluorocarbon and other polymers, steel, and any other pliablethread-like material which can be packaged within the projectileassembly 124 but is also capable of exerting a restraining force on theprojectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c until the radial outward forceis arrested and a desired spread pattern is obtained.

With reference now to FIGS. 6A-C, the spread pattern of a projectileassembly 124 disclosed herein will be compared to the spread patter ofshotgun and traditional rifle projectiles. FIG. 6A shows a spreadpattern 144 of a projectile assembly 124 in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure. Upon leaving the barrel exit 116, theprojectile assembly 124 is allowed to expand for up to a firstpredetermined distance 148 down range. After the projectile assembly 124has traveled the first predetermined distance 148, the projectileassembly 124 is considered fully deployed and is allowed to maintain itsfully deployed configuration as it travels a second distance 152 beyondthe first predetermined distance 148. The projectile assembly 124maintains this configuration until it reaches and strikes its target oruntil the projectile assembly 124 falls to the ground. In contrast, themono-projectile creates a uniform area of influence (surface areaavailable for contact as measured form the center of rotation)regardless of distance from the tip of the gun. Further, in comparisonthe ever expanding profile 156 of un-tethered multi-projectile shot(scattershot) used a slow but ever expanding rate of expansion toincrease the area of influence (surface area available for contact asmeasured form the center of rotation) to in turn increase the hitprobability.

In some embodiments, the center of rotation 136 of the projectileassembly 124 maintains its original trajectory. Although the increaseddrag of a full deployed projectile assembly 124 may decrease the downrange velocity at a quicker pace than that of a traditional slug, theprojectile assembly 124 can cover the same distance, with a minoradjustment of trajectory. However, within a range of 50 yards or less,the trajectory is nearly identical to the trajectory followed by asingle projectile fired from the same firearm and any difference iscompensated for by the increased area of influence of the orbitingportions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c.

The projectile assembly 124 provides many advantages over the prior art.Once such advantage is that, as compared to a shotgun spread pattern156, the projectile assembly 124, by harnessing the spin-generatedforce, expands at a faster rate (i.e., achieves a larger effectivestrike area) than multiple projectiles fired from a standard shotgun. Asone example, projectile assembly 124 test firing has achieved twelveinches of spread by the time the assembly 124 had traveled eight feetaway from the barrel exit 116. This particular feature can be seen moreclearly with respect to FIG. 10.

In comparison, a typical shotgun firing buckshot requires approximately32 feet before a spread of 12 inches in diameter is obtained. Anotheradvantage is that, as compared to the shotgun spread pattern 156, theexpansion of the projectile assembly 124 is limited after the projectileassembly 124 has traveled the first predetermined distance 148. Theun-tethered multiple projectiles fired from a shotgun, on the otherhand, continue to spread apart from one another without restriction.This decreases the shotgun's effectiveness at greater distances due tothe fact that large gaps form between the projectile portions. Yetanother advantage is that, as compared to the spread pattern of a singleprojectile 160, the projectile assembly 124 is able to achieve a spreadpattern that is larger than an area of the rifle barrel 104, therebyincreasing the potential strike area and the chances of a successfulstrike at both short and long ranges due to the finite amount of spread.The single projectile 160 only has a spread pattern prior to impactequal to the size of the rifle barrel 104.

Referring now to FIG. 7, additional details of a cartridge 108 will bedescribed in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The cartridge 108 may package a primer (not shown),gunpowder (not shown), and the projectile assembly 124 within a casing120. When the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c of the projectileassembly 124 are within the casing 120, the projectile portions 128 a,128 b, 128 c are considered to be interlocked to one another. Inparticular, the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c may beconfigured similarly to a traditional rifle projectile so as to limitthe amount of gas which escapes past the projectile assembly 124 and outthe barrel 104. In some embodiments, the only type of force which maycause the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c to become unlockedfrom their in-casing configuration is a net force directed radiallyoutward from the center of rotation 136 of the projectile assembly 124.The casing 120 and barrel 104 always supply a sufficient amount ofcontainment force directed radially inward such that the projectileassembly 124 is only allowed to expand after it has left the barrel exit116.

When the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c are interconnected withone another and placed in the casing 120, an upper cavity 164 may becreated between the projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c. As will bediscussed in further detail herein, the upper cavity 164 is provided asa storage location for the tether/braking system 132 of the projectileassembly 124. A lid may be placed over the top of the upper cavity tofully contain the tether/braking system 132 during shipment. In someembodiments, a lid feature 168 is provided which enables the lid to fitsecurely within the upper cavity 164 and remain in place until theprojectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c begin to expand away from oneanother. In some embodiments, the lid feature 168 comprises a lip,notch, hook, or similar friction fit-based feature that locks a lid intoposition over the upper cavity 164. Threading, screws, adhesives, andother types of features may be used to create the lid feature 168without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As can be seen in FIG. 7B, a cartridge 108 may alternatively be providedwith a projectile assembly 124 which only includes a first and secondprojectile portion 128 a and 128 b, respectively.

FIGS. 8A-D depict a cartridge 108 with projectile assemblies 124 ofvarious numbers of projectile portions 128. As can be seen in FIG. 8D,up to five projectile portions may be used to construct the projectileassembly 124.

FIG. 9A depicts an example of first and second projectile portions 128 aand 128 b, respectively, when the projectile portions are not within acasing 120. FIG. 9B depicts one example of first, second, and thirdprojectile portions 128 a, 128 b, and 128 c, respectively, when theprojectile portions are not within a casing 120. FIG. 9C depicts oneexample of first, second, third, and fourth projectile portions 128 a,128 b, 128 c, 128 d respectively, when the projectile portions are notwithin a casing 120.

FIGS. 11A-C depict further examples of a projectile assembly 124 whenthe projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c are interconnected with oneanother, such as if the projectile assembly 124 were within a casing120. The projectile assembly 124 may comprise a first leading edge 172,which is the leading edge of the projectile assembly 124 as it travelsthrough a barrel 104. The opposite edge of the projectile assembly 124may be considered the trailing edge 176 and may be the surface of theprojectile assembly 124 which traps gases between the projectileassembly 124, the walls of the barrel 104 and the casing 120.

In some embodiments, the projectile assembly 124 may comprise a bottomportion 180 and a top portion 184. The bottom portion 180 may comprisemore weight than the top portion 184, thereby making the center of massof the projectile assembly 124 reside below its equator. Similarly, thecenter of mass for each projectile portion 128 may be located below theline which is equidistance from the leading edge 172 and trailing edge176. In other words, the center of mass of each projectile portion 128may be in the bottom half of the projectile portion 128.

In some embodiments, the top portion 184 comprises a taper 188. Alongthe taper 188, the distance from the radial center of the projectileassembly 124 (which also corresponds to the shared point of contactbetween projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c) to an outer surface 200of the projectile portion 128 increases further away from the firstleading edge 172. The taper 188 may stop at some location in the topportion 184. In some embodiments, the taper 188 is provided to ensurethat the projectile assembly 124, when inserted into a casing 120, iscapable of easily being chambered into any traditional rifled firearm.The taper 188 is traditional used to ensure a smooth delivery of thecartridge 108 from a magazine into the firing chamber of a firearm 100or to ensure a smooth transition across the gap between a revolverfiring chamber and the barrel of the revolver. In some embodiments, thetaper 188 comprises the appropriate geometry to conform to rifledfirearm standards, thereby making the cartridge 108 and projectileassembly 124 compatible with most types of rifled firearms 100.

The projectile assembly 124 may also comprise a notch 192 which is agroove feature shared by all projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c.The notch 192, in some embodiments, is configured to receive a restraint228 as is shown in FIG. 15C. The restraint 228 may correspond to acircular-shaped material that is adapted to maintain a minimal force onthe projectile portions 128 a, 128 b, 128 c directed radially inward.The notch 192 and restraint 228 may be used to make the manufacture ofthe cartridge 108 easier and more efficient. It may be desirable,however, to use a projectile assembly 124 having a notch 192 and norestraint as is shown in FIG. 15B or no notch 192 as is shown in FIG.15A. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the restraint 228 islarger than the largest outer diameter of the projectile assembly 124thereby creating a tighter gas seal between the projectile assembly 124and the inner surface of the barrel 104.

The projectile assembly 124 may also comprise one or more lockingfeatures 196. The locking features 196 may correspond to a point wherethe projectile portions 128 interconnect such that forces applied at thebottom of the projectile assembly 124 do not result in a relative shiftof the projectile portions 128. In some embodiments, the locking feature196 corresponds to a stair-step feature which essentially precludes anyrelative shifting of the projectile portions along a centrallongitudinal axis (i.e., an axis along which the projectile assembly 124travels in the barrel 104) of the projectile assembly 124.

Additional details of the locking features 196 are shown in FIGS. 12 and13A-F. In particular, the locking features 196 may be positionedproximate to equator of the projectile portions 128. In someembodiments, the locking features 196 are located at or slightly abovethe center of rotation for each projectile portion 128. As can be seenin FIGS. 13A-F, the bottom portion 180 may interface with the topportion 184 of the projectile portion 128 at the locking feature 196. Insome embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the top of the bottomportion 180 is equal to the cross-sectional area of the bottom of thetop portion 184. However, the bottom portion 180 is offset or shiftedrelative to the top portion 184, thereby creating the locking feature196. In some embodiments, the locking feature 196 may comprise astair-step feature creating by exposing an upper surface of the bottomportion 180 and a bottom surface of the top portion 184. These exposedsurfaces may be referred to as offset surfaces. An offset surface of abottom portion 208 on a first projectile portion 128 a may interfacewith an offset surface of a top portion 212 of a second projectileportion 128 b. In a two-portion projectile assembly 124, these may bethe only interfacing surfaces which create the locking feature 196. In athree-portion projectile assembly 124, however, an offset surface of abottom portion 208 of the second projectile portion 128 b may interfacewith an offset surface of a top portion 212 of a third projectileportion 128 c. To complete the locking feature 196, an offset surface ofa bottom portion 208 of the third projectile portion 128 c may interfacewith an offset surface of a top portion 212 of the third projectileportion 128 a, thereby establishing the locking feature 196.

Utilizing an offset between the bottom and top portions of theprojectile portions 128 achieves two useful goals. First, the lockingfeature 196 can be created, thereby restricting the relative movement ofthe projectile portions 128 both in the casing 120 and in the barrel104. Second, symmetry between all portions of the projectile assembly124 is maintained. This enables the projectile assembly 124 to maintaina stable trajectory and allows the weight of each projectile portion 128to counteract and equally apply a stopping force to other projectileportions in the projectile assembly 124 as the projectile assembly 124decelerates the expanding segments.

In some embodiments, the locking feature 196 may comprise aconfiguration other than a stair-step feature. For example, the lockingfeature 196 may include one or more of slot and groove features, peg andhole features, interlocking teeth features, snaps, hooks, diagonalslopes, and so on.

Each projectile portion 128 may further include a via 204 which providesone way of interfacing the projectile portion 128 with thetether/braking system 132. Other possible ways of connecting theprojectile portion 128 with a tether/braking system 132 include, but arenot limited to, wrapping the tether/braking system 132 around some orall of the projectile portion 128, spot welding some of thetether/braking system 132 to a surface of the projectile portion 128,using a fastener or microfastener system to interconnect thetether/braking system 132 to the projectile portion 128, or the like.

With reference now to FIGS. 14A-B, additional details of the via 204will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The vias 204 may comprise a first conical portion216 having an opening 220 in the bottom of the cavity 164, a secondconical portion 218 having an opening 224 in the trailing edge 176 and achoke point 228, which defines the interconnection between the firstconical portion 216 and second conical portion 218.

In some embodiments, the radius of the first conical portion 216 islarger at the opening 220 than the radius of the first conical portion216 at the choke point 228. Similarly, the radius of the second conicalportion 218 is larger at the opening 224 than the radius of the secondconical portion 218 at the choke point 228. This makes the choke point228 correspond to the most narrow point within the via 204. The conicalportions 216, 218 may be created by milling or machining the projectileportion 128 until the via 204 is created or during the formation of theportion 128. The orientation, size, and shape of the via 204 may varydepending upon the type of tether/braking system 132 being used, thetype of material used to create the projectile portion 128, and otherconsiderations. In some embodiments, the axis of the via 204 (i.e., thecentral axis of either conical portion 216, 218) may be orthogonal toboth the bottom surface of the projectile portion 128 and the bottomsurface of the cavity 164. In some embodiments, the axis of the via 204may be angularly positioned relative to the bottom surface of theprojectile portion 128. For example, the via 204 may be directed outwardsuch that the opening 220 is closer to the center of the projectileassembly 124 whereas the opening 224 is closer to the outer surface 200of the projectile assembly 124.

The location of the choke point 228 may be strategically positioned suchthat the point where the tether/braking system 132 applies a force tothe projectile portion 128 is above the center of mass of the projectileportion 128. This allows the projectile portion 128 to individuallyrotate as the projectile assembly 124 move down range and achieve anoptimal aerodynamic configuration for the individual projectile portion128.

As can be seen in FIGS. 16A-D, the tether/braking system 132 maycomprise a stopper 232 which interfaces with the choke point 228. Insome embodiments, the width of the tether/braking system 132 may besmaller than the area of the choke point 228, thereby allowing thetether/braking system 132 to pass through the via 204 during theassembly process. However, the stopper 232 may be larger than the areaof the choke point 228, thereby providing a point at which thetether/braking system 132 anchors to the projectile portion 128.

In some embodiments, the stopper 232 is created by first threading thetether/braking system 132 through the via 204. Thereafter, an amount ofglue or some other material is added to the free end of thetether/braking system 132 and/or within the second conical portion 218to function as a wedge. Any type of polymer or similar material may beused to create the stopper 232. Suitable examples of materials which maybe used to create the stopper 232 include, without limitation,thermosetting polymers, ultra-violet activated polymers, steel,aluminum, and the like. It may also be possible to establish the stopper232 by simply tying the free end of the tether/braking system 132 intoone or more knots that increase the size of the tether/braking system132 to a size larger than the area of the choke point 228. In someembodiments, the entire via 204 may be filled with a polymer, adhesive,glue, or the like to secure the tether/braking system 132 into the via204.

With reference now to FIGS. 17A-D, one possible manner of packing thetether/braking system 132 into the upper cavity 164 of the projectileassembly 124 will be described in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The tether/braking system 132 may comprise aplurality of arms, each of which interface with a different projectileportion 128. Accordingly, a projectile assembly 124 having twoprojectile portions 128 a and 128 b will comprise a tether/brakingsystem 132 with two arms—one for each projectile portion 128. Similarly,a projectile assembly 124 having three projectile portions 128 a, 128 b,128 c will comprise a tether/braking system 132 with three arms.

The tether/braking system 132 may comprise a deformation brake 236 whichprovides the common point of connection between all arms of thetether/braking system 132. In some embodiments, the deformation brake236 is simply a point where the arms of the tether/braking system 132come together and are united by some mechanism (e.g., staple, glue,wrapping, twisting, tying a knot, etc.). In some embodiments, thedeformation brake 236 comprises a plastic or paper sleeve within which afree end of each arm is inserted. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS.17A-B, the arms of the tether/braking system 132 may be wound around thedeformation brake 236 in a spool-like fashion. In the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 17C-D, a similar spooling technique may be used topackage the tether/braking system 132 into the cavity 164, by thetethers of the tether/braking system 132 may be chain-stitched, therebyfurther compacting the tether/braking system 132. Certain known spoolingtechniques can be used to maximize the spool width-to-arm length ratio.The arms of the tether/braking system 132 may be wound around thedeformation brake 236 after the arms have been secured to eachprojectile portion 128 but before the deformation brake 236 has beeninserted into the upper cavity 164. It may also be possible to insertthe deformation brake 236 into the upper cavity 164 and then spin theprojectile portions 128 relative to the deformation brake 236, therebycreating the spool configuration of the tether/braking system 132.

A number of different tether/braking system 132 configurations may beutilized to further maximize the efficiency with which the space of theupper cavity 164 is utilized. Specifically, the tether/braking system132 may be provided with a plurality of tether arms 240, one for eachprojectile portion 128. As one example, a first tether arm 240 a mayinterface with a first projectile portion 128 a, a second tether arm 240b may interface with a second projectile portion 128 b, and a thirdtether arm 240 c may interface with a third projectile portion 128 c.The tether arms 240 a, 240 b, 240 c may interconnect with one another atthe deformation brake 236. In some embodiments, the length of eachtether arm 240 a, 240 b, 240 c is substantially the same within amachining tolerance.

The tether/braking system 132 depicted in FIG. 18A comprises anunaltered tether material for each arm 240 a, 240 b, 240 c. Thetether/braking system 132 depicted in FIG. 18B comprises achain-stitched configuration. In some embodiments, the tether/brakingsystem 132 may be chain-stitched into a series of loops and folds (e.g.,a chain stitch). Further details of a chain-stitched material andmethods which may be employed to create the chain-stitchedtether/braking system 132 of FIG. 18B are more fully described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,874 to Shiomi, the entire contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Utilization of a chain stitch along the arms 240 of the tether/brakingsystem 132 provides one way of compressing more tether/braking system132 material into a smaller volume. Specifically, a 4:1 gain in packingefficiency and tangle reduction during deployment can be achieved byusing the chain-stitched tether/braking system 132 as opposed to anunchain-stitched tether.

FIG. 18C depicts a tether/braking system 132 configuration whereby eachtether arm 240 comprises a first section 244 and a second section 248.The first section 244 may comprise a straight tether arrangement whereasthe second section 248 may comprise a chain-stitched tether arrangement.In some embodiments, the second section 248 is used to apply a first setof braking forces to each projectile portion 128. In contrast, the firstsection 244 is configured to allow the projectile portions 128 toaccelerate radially away from the center of rotation 136 until thesecond section 248 begins to come under tension.

The advantages of using a second section 248 to apply sequential brakingforces to the projectile portions 128 can be seen more readily withregards to FIGS. 19 and 20, where two potential configurations of thesecond section 248 are depicted. Referring initially to either FIG. 19or 20 in combination with FIG. 24, a sequence of applying a set ofbraking forces to a projectile portion 128 via the tether/braking system132 will be described. In particular, a loop-based configuration of thetether arms 240 is shown in FIG. 19 whereas a chain-stitchedconfiguration of tether arms 240 is shown in FIG. 20.

The configuration shown in FIG. 19 achieves the braking applicators 256by overlapping loops of the arm 240 and applying an epoxy or glue at theintersections (i.e., points where the tether arm 240 intersects itself).The bonds created by the braking applicators 256 at the overlappingpoints create a small point of resistance. By creating multiple pointsof resistance along the arm 240, the second section 248 is enabled toapply a set of braking forces to the projectile portions 128 which arestrong enough to begin decelerating the projectile portions 128 but notso strong as to exceed the breaking strength of the tether or alter thetrajectory of the projectile assembly 124.

The configuration shown in FIG. 20 is achieved by tying the material ofthe tether arm 240 into a chain stitch where a series of loops and hooksare used to create a compact tether arm 240 that is capable of beingunraveled. Similar to the looping configuration, each point where thetether arm 240 intersects itself may be secured with a bonding agent tocreate a braking applicator 256. In contrast to the loopingconfiguration, a chain-stitched configuration provides a larger numberof overlapping connection points and, therefore braking applicators 256,across the same length of tether arm 240. Accordingly, a smaller amountof tether arm 240 can be used to apply similar braking forces ascompared to an unchain-stitched configuration. As the tether arm 240comes under tension, the bonding agents at each braking applicator 256is sequentially broken in order to slow down the rate at which theprojectile assembly 124 is expanding.

A further alternative configuration leverages the spooled assemblydepicted in FIGS. 17A-D. In a spooled assembly, the entire length of thetether arms 240 may be coated in an adhesive or similar material.Therefore, extended lengths of the tether arm 240 may intersect portionsof the spool, meaning that a continuous or semi-continuous braking forceis applied by a braking applicator 256 that is substantially longer thanthe braking applicators 256 depicted in FIGS. 18 and 19. As can beappreciated, combinations of the above-described configurations of thetether/restraint system 132 and the braking applicator 256 may be usedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Upon initial deployment in either configuration, the first section 244of each tether arm 240 may be a first length and the second section 248of each tether arm 240 may be a second length. As can be seen, thesecond section 248 of each tether arm 240 may comprise a number ofbraking applicators 256. Before a first point in time 252 a (t(1)) thesecond section 248 of the tether arms 240 are not under tension and theprojectile portions 128 are accelerating radially away from the centerof rotation 136 of the projectile assembly 124. However, after the firstpoint in time 252 a (t(1)), the second section 248 comes under tensionand the tether/braking system 132 begins applying a first set of brakingforces to each projectile portion 128 by way of the braking applicators256 and the opposing pulling force(s) of other projectile portions 128in the projectile assembly 124. The sequential breaking of each brakingapplicator 256 causes the velocity with which each projectile portion128 is radially expanding to decrease.

Before a second point in time 252 b (t(2)) the braking applicators 256continue to be sequentially broken and the first section 244 becomeslonger than its original length whereas the second section 248 becomesshorter than its original length. As the projectile portions 128continue to pull on one another, additional braking applicators 256 arebroken until either all braking applicators 256 are broken or theoutward movement of section 128 has been fully arrested. In the eventall breaking applicators 256 are broken and additional radialdeceleration of the projectile portions 128 is needed a final stage ofthe tether/breaking system applies a braking force via the deformationbrake 236.

As can be seen in FIG. 21A-C, after all braking applicators 256 havebeen broken, any additional expansion of the projectile assembly 124 isstopped with the deformation brake 236. In particular, the deformationbrake 236 applies a constant braking force equally to all projectileportions 128 after the second point in time 252 b (t(2)). The secondbraking force is applied as the arms 240 induce faults 260 into thedeformation brake 236. The faults 260 may correspond to partial tears orcomplete tears at which point the center of rotation 136 of theprojectile assembly 124 becomes the intersection of the arms 240 ratherthan the deformation brake 236. The type of material used to constructthe deformation brake 236 may vary depending upon the mass of eachprojectile portion 128, the type of material used for the tether/brakingsystem 132, and the number of braking applicators 256 provided alongeach length of tether arm 240. Exemplary materials suitable for use withthe deformation brake 236 include one or more of wax, paraffin, plastic,glue, other polymers, and paper. Furthermore, perforations 234 orsimilar faults may be designed into the deformation brake 236 to assistthe deformation brake 236 in deforming according to a predeterminedpattern. In some embodiments, the location of the perforations 234 areselected to control the locations where the faults 260 occur.

With reference now to FIG. 22, a projectile portion 128 comprising anadditional chamber 264 in its bottom portion 180 will be described inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. Theprojectile portion 128 may be configured to carry a payload of material(in a liquid, gas, or solid state) other than the material used toconstruct the projectile portion 128. In some embodiments, theprojectile portion 128 may be constructed of a material that breaks uponimpact, thereby releasing the payload contained within the additionalchamber 264. In some embodiments, the additional chamber 264 may carry acrowd-control material or composition of matter. As one example, theadditional chamber 264 may carry tear gas, mace, pepper spray, or someother material known to be used in crowd-control applications acapacitor for the discharge of an electric shock. As another example,the additional chamber 264 may carry paint or similar marking materialsused in paintball and similar games. If one projectile portion 128 ofthe projectile assembly 124 is provided with the additional chamber 264,then the other projectile portions 128 may also comprise the additionalchamber 264 and payload material, thereby maintaining symmetry of theprojectile assembly 124.

With reference now to FIGS. 23A-B, an example of utilizing a series ofsleeves to fold the tether arms 240 within the upper cavity 164 isdepicted. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 23A corresponds to anembodiment where a plain tether is used to construct the tether/brakingsystem 132. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 23B corresponds to anembodiment where a chain-stitched tether is used to construct thetether/braking system 132.

In some embodiments, the tether/braking system 132 utilizes adeformation brake 236 similar to the other tether/braking system 132configurations discussed herein. Whether or not it is used inconjunction with a series of braking applicators 256, the tether/brakingsystem 132 may comprise a series of sleeves (e.g., first sleeve 268,second sleeve 272, third sleeve 276, fourth sleeve 280, etc.) whichcontain the tether arms 240. In particular, the tether arms 240 may befolded over themselves and then wrapped in another sleeve. Thesequential folding and wrapping of the tether arms 240 within eachsleeve provides not only a way to compactly contain the tether/brakingsystem 132 within the upper cavity 164 but also provides a way tominimize tangles and knots in tether/braking system 132 during assemblyand deployment of the projectile assembly 124.

In some embodiments, the sleeves provide a third function of acting asbraking applicators 256 as the projectile assembly 124 expands. Morespecifically, as the projectile portions 128 of the projectile assembly124 begin to expand away from one another, the outer-most sleeve 280 mayeither slide off of the tether/braking system 132, become ripped by thetether arms 240, or apply some other resistive force to the expandingprojectile portions 128. After the outer-most sleeve 280 has slid off orbeen completely torn, the next outer-most sleeve 276 may begin to slideoff of the tether/braking system 132, become ripped by the tether arms240, or apply some other resistive force to the expanding projectileportions 128. Again, after that sleeve 276 has become separated from thetether/braking system 132, the next outer-most sleeve 272 will slideoff, become ripped, or apply some other type of resistive force to theexpanding projectile portions 128. Each sleeve applies a braking forceto the projectile portions 128 as they expand away from the center ofrotation 136 and the sequential application of forces by each sleeve issimilar to the first set of braking forces applied to the projectileportions 128 by the braking applicators 256. This process continuesuntil all sleeves have been discarded, ripped, etc. at which point otherstages of braking forces (e.g., braking applicators 256 and/ordeformation brake 236 are applied to the projectile portions 128 untilthe radial expansion of the projectile portions 128 is stopped allow theever present centrifugal force to lock the portions 128 into agyroscopically stable orbit.

As can be appreciated, the number of sleeves used to package thetether/braking system 132 may vary depending upon whether or not thetether arms 240 are normal or chain-stitched or looped back, dependingupon the type of material used in constructing the tether/braking system132 and tether arms 240, depending upon how many projectile portions 128and arms 240 are included in the projectile assembly 124, and so forth.

With reference now to FIG. 25, a process of constructing the cartridges108 and preparing the same for distribution will be described inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.Although the process described herein depicts the process steps as beingperformed in a particular order, one of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that a different order of process steps may be followedwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover,certain steps may be combined, performed in parallel, or eliminateddepending upon how each step is performed and depending upon thefeatures of the cartridge 108 desired.

The process, in one embodiment, begins with the construction of theprojectile portions 128 for a cartridge 108 (step 2504). In someembodiments, the projectile portions 128 may be die-cast, forged,machined, or manufactured according to any known type of manufacturingprocess.

The process also includes a step of constructing the tether arms 240(step 2508). As can be appreciated, the steps followed in thepreparation of the tether arms 240 will depend upon the configuration oftether/braking system 132 being used. In particular, if a fullychain-stitched or partially chain-stitched tether arm 240 is beingemployed, then the material of the tether/braking system 132 may bechain stitched and cut to predetermined lengths.

The tether arms 240 are then connected together at the deformation brake236 (step 2512) and then each tether arm 240 is threaded though a via204 in a corresponding projectile portion (step 2516). The connectionbetween the tether/braking system 132 and the projectile portions 128are completed after the tether arms 240 have been threaded through theprojectile portions 128 (step 2520). In some embodiments, the free endof the tether arm 240 is glued within the via 204, tied into a knot,wedged into place or caused to become larger than the via 204 in somemanner.

Each projectile portion 128 of the projectile assembly 124 is theninterlocked (step 2524) thereby creating the upper cavity 164 of theprojectile assembly 124. The remainder of the tether/braking system 132is then packed into the upper cavity 164 of the projectile assembly 124(step 2528). In some embodiments, this step may involve winding thetether/braking system 132 into the upper cavity 164 or folding thetether arms 240 into a series of sleeves, which are subsequentlyinserted into the upper cavity 164. After the tether/braking system 132is positioned within the upper cavity 164, the upper cavity 164 may becapped 168, thereby sealing the tether/braking system 132 within theprojectile assembly 124 (step 2532).

In another part of the process, the casing 120 may be created (step2540). The steps used to construct the casing 120 may be similar oridentical to steps used to construct traditional rifling casings.

After the casing 120 has been constructed, the primer (step 2544) andgunpowder (step 2548) are inserted into the casing 120 in no particularorder. The completed projectile assembly 124 is then inserted into thecasing 120 to complete construction of the cartridge 108 (step 2536). Insome embodiments, the complete cartridge 108 may be packaged with aplurality of other cartridges 108 into a box for shipping (step 2552),unless the cartridge 108 is to be distributed on a per-cartridge basisor distributed in some other manner.

As noted above, various materials and component designs may be varied toprovide projectile assemblies 124 and cartridges 108 for specificpurposes. In some embodiments, different configurations of cartridges108 may be loaded in a magazine of a firearm 100 in an intelligentsequence. The intelligent sequence may utilize cartridges 108 ofdifferent configurations to achieve certain desired results. As anexample, a sequence of cartridges 108 may be loaded where a firstcartridge 108 fired corresponds to a stun-type configuration (e.g., aprojectile assembly 124 with relatively light-weight projectile portions128 and heavier tether/braking system 132 fired at a relative lowvelocity), a second cartridge 108 fired corresponds to a knock-down-typeconfiguration (e.g., a projectile assembly with heavier projectileportions 128 and lighter tethers 132 fired at a higher velocity), and athird cartridge 108 fired corresponds to a lethal-type configuration(e.g., where the tether/braking system 132 is designed to break apartupon impact and the projectile portions 128 are of a substantiallyheavier configuration shot at a high velocity). Utilization ofintelligent cartridge sequences enables a series of rounds to be firedin order to achieve certain tactical advantages or adapt a singlefirearm 100 to many different types of environments and use cases.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, thedescription is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosedherein. Consequently, variations and modifications commenced here withthe above teachings and the skill or knowledge of the relevant art arewithin the scope in the present invention. The embodiments describedherein above are further extended to explain best modes known forpracticing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art toutilize the invention in such, or other, embodiments or variousmodifications required by the particular applications or uses of presentinvention. It is intended that the dependent claims be construed toinclude all possible embodiments to the extent permitted by the priorart.

1. A multi-projectile assembly, comprising: at least a first projectileportion; at least a second projectile portion; and a multi-staged radialbraking and tether restraint system that interconnects the at least afirst and second projectile portions such that spin-generated forcesimparted on the assembly cause the at least a first and secondprojectile portions to radially expand away from their original centerof rotation up to a finite expansion limit defined by the multi-stagedradial braking and tether restraint system.
 2. The multi-projectileassembly of claim 1, wherein the at least a first and second projectileportions are arranged in a circular array and wherein the at least afirst and second projectile portions are symmetrical such that theyinterconnect with one another primarily along their major axis and alsoalong a second axis other than their major axis.
 3. The multi-projectileassembly of claim 2, wherein the at least a first and second projectileportions are arranged in the circular array such that a left interfacingsurface of the at least a first projectile portion interlocks primarilyalong its major axis and also along the second axis other than its majoraxis with a right interfacing surfacing of the at least a secondprojectile portion which is adjacent to the at least a first projectileportion.
 4. The multi-projectile assembly of claim 1, wherein the atleast a first and second projectile portions interconnect with oneanother such that a cavity is formed between the at least a first andsecond projectile portions, the cavity being configured to house themulti-staged radial braking and tether restraint system, and wherein theat least a first and second projectile portions further interconnectwith one another in such a way that the at least a first and secondprojectile portions are configured to exit a barrel of a gunsimultaneously.
 5. The multi-projectile assembly of claim 1, wherein theat least a first and second projectile portions expand away from theiroriginal center of rotation substantially within a single plane ofexpansion and wherein a trajectory of the multi-projectile assembly issubstantially orthogonal to the plane of expansion.
 6. Themulti-projectile assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least a first andsecond projectile portions benefit from gyroscopic stabilization as theyexpand from their original center of rotation.
 7. The multi-projectileassembly of claim 1, further comprising at least a third projectileportion, wherein the multi-staged radial braking and tether restraintsystem interconnects the at least a first, second, and third projectileportions.
 8. The multi-projectile assembly of claim 7, furthercomprising no more than five projectile portions, wherein themulti-staged radial braking and restraint system interconnects theprojectile portions of the multi-projectile assembly.
 9. Themulti-projectile assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least a first andsecond projectile portions each comprise an anchor point where themulti-staged radial braking and tether restraint system applies forcesto the projectile portion and wherein the anchor point is offset from acenter of mass of the projectile portion thereby allowing eachprojectile portion to independently rotate and achieve an independentoptimal aerodynamic position upon reaching the expansion limit.
 10. Acartridge including the multi-projectile assembly of claim
 1. 11. Amulti-staged radial braking and tether restraint system, comprising: atleast a first stage adapted to apply at least a first braking force to aplurality of projectile portions when the plurality of projectileportions expand away from their original center of rotation; and atleast a second stage adapted to apply at least a second braking force tothe plurality of projectile portions when the plurality of projectileportions expand away from their center of rotation.
 12. The multi-stagedradial braking and tether restraint system of claim 11, wherein the atleast a first stage comprises a tether which applies the first brakingforce when the tether is under tension.
 13. The multi-staged radialbraking and tether restraint system of claim 12, wherein the at least asecond stage comprises a plurality of braking applicators established onthe tether.
 14. The multi-staged radial braking and tether restraintsystem of claim 13, wherein the at least a second stage furthercomprises a deformation brake.
 15. The multi-staged radial braking andrestraint system of claim 14, wherein the deformation brake comprises atleast one of an adhesive and a sleeve.
 16. The multi-staged radialbraking and tether restraint system of claim 13, wherein the tether islooped and laid back onto itself and the braking applicators comprise abreakable bond created at points of contact where the tether touchesitself.
 17. The multi-staged radial braking and tether restraint systemof claim 13, wherein the tether is configured in such a way thatconsecutive loops are pulled through one after another and the brakingapplicators comprise a breakable bond created along points of contactwhere the tether touches itself.
 18. The multi-staged radial braking andtether restraint system of claim 13, wherein the tether is spooled andwherein the braking applicators comprise a continuous or semi-continuousbreakable bond created along points of contact where the tether touchesitself.
 19. A projectile portion for use with an interlockingmulti-projectile assembly that expands when spin-generated forces areimparted on the assembly, the projectile portion comprising: an outersurface; a first mating surface a second mating surface, both of themating surfaces being configured to interface with a correspondingmating surface of at least one other projectile portion in themulti-projectile assembly such that when the multi-projectile assemblyis fired from a barrel of a rifle, the projectile portions of themulti-projectile assembly exit the barrel substantially simultaneouslyand wherein the first and second mating surfaces are symmetricallypositioned about a major axis of the projectile portion so as tofacilitate a circular array configuration of the multi-projectileassembly.
 20. The projectile portion of claim 19, wherein the first andsecond mating surfaces comprise one or more features which facilitate amono-directional expansion of the multi-projectile assembly, wherein thedirection of mono-directional expansion is substantially orthogonal to atrajectory of the multi-projectile assembly and wherein spin-generatedforces which cause the mono-directional expansion of the assembly alsocause the assembly to be gyroscopically stabilized.